BLUE FOOTED BOOBIES

If you are headed down South and have the moneys to see the Galapagos Islands, do it.

But, if you are in a sticky situation where your pennies aren't so shiny

then you can stop by Isla de la Plata, a boat ride from Puerto Lopez, Ecuador,

for that blue footed boobie experience. They call this island the Poor Man's Galapagos for a reason.

You don't get to see ancient tortoises waddling around, but there are plenty

of boobies and birds and sea turtles to get your wild fix. The package deal

includes a boat ride to and from the island (about an hour each way), snacks,

drinks, lunch, a guided tour around the island to teach you neat facts,

hiking, and snorkeling with tropical fishies on the way home.Personally, feeding the sea turtles pineapple was my favorite part of the trip.That, and floating on my back with the sun on my face in the middle of the big blue sea.Worth it? I'd have to say yes.